Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
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And I was actually told by an acquaintance I was lucky to be getting a "new, cute short hairdo." Seriously! LOL!
Tell people to try getting a seven minute xray every day for seven weeks and see how very lucky they feel.
I think we may be forgiven for feeling indignant sometimes. - Skye -
Caya I'm so glad your leg condition turned out benign. You are right, that is a beautiful word.
I also think we may be forgiven if we sometimes have panic attacks. How could we not? - Skye -
I was reading the "lucky" message and it made me realize how ignorant some people are. Maybe she just tried to cheer you up. Just shrug it off.
I had an encounter with an insurance rep this morning. I did a ct-scan as part of the preparation to the treatment plan and received a letter from the insurance company stating that, since I didn't precertify, I had to pay a penalty of $100. That bugged me, so I called the company this morning and asked the rep if I could have the address where I would have to send the appeal. She must not have been in a good morning (and it was only 7 AM) and she kept going on and on about how it was just tough luck, but I would still have to pay the $100. I couldn't get a word in, so finally I yelled (and woke up my daughter...) and said, "hey, I'm the customer, and you're providing a service here. Let me talk to your boss." Well, she finally got a supervisor, who confirmed, what I already suspected, that I was already precertified, because of the radiation, and she apologized for the rep's behavior. Ha, I finally won one. I always remember the saying I read in a book: "a clerk is a jerk," meaning, they can't make any decisions, so go higher up.
I'm turning pink, but then I'm finished week 4 of radiation. The nurse recommended constarch and that I will do.
Well, I finally saw some real benefits from being so open about my cancer. The department chair of the physics department has developed lymphoma. He's my age and single, so nobody to talk to at home. He's also quite reserved. Well, I've dropped by his office a couple of times, and he had so many questions about chemo. He's been using taxis, and I told him that he should save his money for the bills, so on Monday, when he has his first chemo, I will take him to the hospital and will pick him up. So many people in the department have come to me to ask what they can do to help, and so it looks like I will be in charge of arranging rides, food, shopping trips, and lawn mowing duties. I have benefitted so much from other people's services, that I am truly grateful that I can do something in return. He appears to feel a lot better, because instead of sitting in his office with the door closed, he now opens up to people and talks about it. And I feel great, because I'm able to help. Nobody knows how a cancer patient feels but the person who has been a cancer patient herself. This poor guy has to a bone marrow transplant later on in the year. Wow. -
The part that these people don't get is nothing is worth the fear and uncertainty we have live with for the rest of our lives. HELLO!!!!!!!!!!! You do feel like smacking them.
Well, I went to the bank and signed a form stating I deposited the counterfeit bill. They didn't even ask me where I got it. Real concern there... -
Very true, Robertin.... only those who have/had it can truly relate. I think that's why I am not interested in seeing a therapist or anything. Unless it was a patient/therapist. Not feeling the need for that right now anyway, but... glad you're able to help the guy out. Guys, in particular, talk less than women so I'm sure he's so appreciative. Talking is my sanity. I have to get stuff out. (May drive others crazy, but....)
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Hi, ladies. I'm back. Our internet is changing over from Time Warner to Comcast, and yesterday was the day they screwed us out of service for 24 hours - I thought I was going to go crazy! How dependent on internet I've become - and I missed you all! It came back up last night, but too late for chat, even if I had remembered, which I must confess I didn't.
My mom came in today for a long weekend visit, from Kansas. It will be fun to have her here - I wanted to wait until I was well over my surgery before she came, and this is a good time. She's a very sharp 84 - but doesn't need to worry about me any more than she does.
Thursday (yesterday) I went to see the surgeon and got all three of my drains out!! I feel so free - and so clean! First shower in two weeks. He thought I looked great, and was ready for my diep, so he may be able to help me in convincing Dr. Spiegel that I'm ready. Of course, I have to wait until they are back in the office on Wednesday, before I can even talk to her nurse, and he says the nurse is the one with the power anyway. He and I had a long talk about what makes him and Dr. Spiegel so special, and I was so very impressed with his attitude toward what he does....and he says that Dr. Spiegel is one very rare plastic surgeon also. They recently went to a conference in Paris where there were breast reconstruction people from all over the world, and they were all envious of the partnership they have, where they are both truly on the same page. It made me even more sure I'm in the right place.
Well, I read everybody's posts. I'm up to speed, forgive me if I don't respond to everyone today, but I'm neglecting my mom at dh at the moment. Caya, I must say this though. I don't know why it is, but we all seem to get swelling AFTER taxol, and it is ALWAYS worse in one leg. I guess I understand that they have to check for blood clots, because it could be that and you don't want to ignore that, but this isn't rare. WHY don't they warn us??
Hugs to you all, -
Robertin, that is so great you are able to help your colleague in such a concrete way. I had a neighbor come by the other night to tell me her sister has breast cancer, with many questions. It does feel good to help and give back. My rads onc also told me today to forget the aloe gel and just use cornstarch. He says it helps keep the area drier which I guess is key. He also did tell me to avoid big crowds, sick people and sniffly children due to the white cell count.
Tina I'm glad you got thru the bank thing all right. I imagine it does happen more frequently than we know.
Mel and Caya, that leg swelling this does seem to happen to a lot of people after Taxol. I had mild overall swelling but feel luck to have escaped with that. Taxol sure is potent...here's hoping it also destroyed all the mutant cells.
DH and I are making a short weekend trip to Wausau, about four hours north of here. Due to his frequent travels he got a free corner suite with large whirlpool. I'm just happy to be going anywhere but the rads room. Hope you all have good things in store for the weekend. - Skye -
Hi,
Lasix users question: How many mg did your onc prescribe? I got 20 mg- 1/2 to 1 tablet a day. She told me that they could mess up my electrolytes, so just take them every other day or when I have the most swelling. She also told me to make sure I eat bananas, potatoes, tomatoes and OJ. Wondering what any of you were told.
I had my taxol/herceptin today. My rbc was low, so they gave me procrit. I know there is a lot of controversy about, but my oncologist reassured me that the benefits weigh more than the risk, and I only need to get it about once every 4 visits. Maybe it will help with the fatique. Congratulations with a whole bunch of you almost done with rads- the rest of you- there is an end, and before you know it, it will be Fall and you too will be done with rads.
Melia,
Are your rbc's low? Do you get a procrit shot? I got a procrit shop today because mine was 10.4. I only get a shot about every 4 times I go, when my rbc are below 10.5. A lot of oncs are not giving them anymore because of all the controversy that surrounds them, but my onc told me that it is such a small percentage that have problems and that the benefits are more than the risks. I wonder if the exhaustion has anything to do with low rbc. How are you feeling today?
Mel,
YEAH!! Your drains are out! I bet that first shower was precious. Your doctors sound great and very caring. Have fun with your mother.
Lynn,
How is the infection today? That is a humbling story about your neighbor.
Tina,
What happened with the counterfeit bill? Did they deduct it from your account? Ages ago when I worked in a bank and if someone accidentally deposited a counterfeit bill, we contacted them, but we did not deduct it from their account if they were a good customer. The bank had insurance for those things, and, if they really had good customer service, they should re-deposit your money and put it through their insurance. I would call them and speak to a manager. It was not your fault, and they know it.
Caya,
Panic attacks are very scary. You had a very tough day, and your body was expressing its exasperation.Did you finally get a water pill today? How is your nausea?
Jan,
Caya is right. Not board certified and with not many Diep under his belt should be plenty of ammunition to use if you need to. I am glad you had a great visit with Dr. Allen.
TLC,
It is very hard to have people make light of our situation- and wrong of them. They luckily have not been there.
We can smile and joke about this whole thing and even we can say we are lucky to have a tummy tuck or that we get to take time off- but that is entirely different than when someone else says it. It is like me saying that my kid is a brat or spoiled , but if someone agrees with me, watch out ..
Robertin,
Good for you!!! You won one!! You are also very special to come to your colleagues aid. I am sure he is quite grateful. I think it is called, Pay it forward. It makes you feel warm and tingly inside to be able to help someone. He is lucky to have you.
Viddie -
Robertin, what a wonderful story. Your kindness is truly beyond words you are absolutely beautiful inside and out.
Mel YAY on your drains. I remember when I got mine out I felt like a million bucks!
Had a very long day today, and DH left this morning for the weekend, so I am on my own with the kids all weekend. Lots of stuff planned busy busy busy. I am going to go to Long Island on Sunday to see my sisters wedding dress. She got it several months ago but it was only recently that I am well enough to handle the trip. We are also going to look at dresses for the girls to wear to the wedding. My sister is not sure if she wants them to walk down the aisle yet, but we decided that we would just get them dresses, and they would wear them one way or the other. We (my sis and I) have decided to saddle our mother with Owen so we can do girly stuff. Looks to be an afternoon of unbearable cuteness I will be sure to take pics.
Well, I have little teeny eyebrow hairs now YAY! I was down to my last few eyebrow hairs, and it looked really awful. I could not bring myself to pull them out and have nothing, but when I saw the new growth this morning I took the plunge and yanked those pathetic stragglers. I feel more presentable now that they are neat I guess a lot like when I did my hair way back in the beginning, except I do not think I will be eyebrowless for as long as I was hairless.
I am pretty burned now it is even feeling a little uncomfortable, but because of the cut nerves the discomfort is transferred to my back. How annoying.
Ah well off I go. Try to get the kids to bed so I can go too. Hugs! -
Viddie, yes, the procrit will definitely help you with the fatigue. The anemia isn't probably 100% responsible for the fatigue, but it has a lot to do with it. So, it's worth it.
In answer to your Lasix query, I started with 20 mg. daily, and ended up with 80 mg. twice a day. They did check lytes once, and I was fine, so they turned me loose, with of course an admonition to drink juice and eat potassium-rich foods. I've had no problems, although of course I'm not taking any now, nor do I need any. I never was peeing huge amounts, or I wouldn't have required so much of it in the first place. It just took that much Lasix to get things moving. -
Viddie- My lasix is 20 mg to be taken once a day, I was not told anything else. But I knew to eat bananas. I'm curious, you said your RBC was 10.4. My last bloodwork report showed my rbc's 4.23 ( the reference range says 4.04 - 5.48) I am so confused about this stuff anymore.
This is creepy....I read in my latest "Good Housekeeping" about messed up lab work. A women had a mastectomy then found out she never did have cancer, her labs were mixed up with someone else. so she has an unnecessary mast. and the person with cancer is walking around not knowing. OMG! that just blew me away! Yikes -
Nancy,
You are right. My RBC is 3.36, but they use the HGB (Hemoglobin) to decide whether to get procrit. That range is between 12 -16. Mine was 10.4. If it is below 11, they give you procrit. I hope you are feeling a bit better today. I also hope you can get an appointment with a neurologist sooner than August.
Rebecca,
Have a great "girl" day on Sunday. They are always fun.
Skye,
Have a great time in Wausau.
Mel,
Thanks for responding. I am glad the lasix worked for you.
Viddie -
Viddie- Ok I see, my HGB says 12.9. See no one ever explained this to me. THey would take my blood then tell me it was ok. If I ask questions they blow me off, or at least I feel that way. Can you tell I am disgusted with medical people? LOL
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Good Morning all,
Well, we are a pretty beat up bunch of ladies, aren't we? Nancy, Caya, Lynn, Viddie, and all you poor burned girls ... hope everyone feels better soon, and has a good weekend. Viddie, they never seem too worried about my red blood cells, which range between 10.2 and 10.6. It's the whites they seem to fixate on. I am dragging, and assume it's cumulative effects of the toxins, the blood counts, the emotional wear, etc. My lasix dose is the same as yours and Nancy's, one a day. My ankles are very swollen by the end of the day, go down as I elevate them, and look ok in the morning. There is no way to elevate them at work and the next two weeks look really busy at work; lots of important projects, people out of the office on trips, vacations, etc. I am just going to power through and see this through. Because it is largely a desk job, and the hours are 6 - 3, I am home by 3:30 and can rest.
Yesterday was our 39th annniversary. We exchanged gifts but are celebrating tomorrow. We were 19 and 23 when we married and we both feel it's so hard to believe it's been so many years. He is still the tall, gangly, quiet, funny guy I saw that day in the college cafeteria. Course the girl went bald and lost a boob ...
I am meeting a group of San Diego women from this board for lunch today. We get together periodically and it's great for all of us. Wonderful group, all diff stages of treatment, and very inspiring to see them all.
Ok, everyone, I hope the weekend goes well for all .... Rebecca, what a fun time you will have. You too, Skye.
Melia -
Melia - Happy Anniversary - 39 years to the same spouse these days is nothing short of a miracle!
Viddie - I finally got a diuretic - it's an old one I used years ago called chlorthalidone - it's 50 mg. 1x per day - but I am starting with 1/2 half the pill in the mornings so it will be 25 mg. I will see how it goes. Also know to eat bananaa, oranges etc. My nauseau comes and goes, I was fine most of the day yesterday and then after dinner was nauseous again.
Last night we went to our local Cancer Relay for Life. An old friend honoured me and had a big picture of me on her T-shirt - she took that picture of me about 2 months ago - bald - so we could really see how much hair has grown in - mostly grey, but at least it's hair!! The survivor's first lap was very emotional for me - I kept on thinking how unbelievable it is that I have breast cancer, and it really hit home. I walked with a guy who is a 27 year survivor of lymphoma, and a newly diagnosed women with ovarian cancer - OY!!
Robertin, Skye and others who talked of "giving back" - I really believe in this as well. The friend who did the Relay for Life for me last night - her MIL just got diagnosed and had her mast. this past Monday - they asked me to give them any info on oncologists, treatment etc. so I emailed them all I had on my onc. and they are trying to get her in to be treated by him as he is one of the tops in Canada. Another friend who I insisted have a breast MRI called to tell me "they saw something" and she is going in for a biopsy on Wed. - I of course told her that 80% of "somethings" are B9, as did her obgyn - but she is pretty calm about it all - she told me if it's anything, at least they caught it and I will be her advisor.
Today my aunt and uncle from Ft. Lauderdale are coming by to visit me, they are in town for a wedding. It will be nice to see them - this aunt is only 12 years older than me, and I lived with them for 4 years when I went to university, so we are very close.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend, feels well, and enjoys the nice weather.
xoxo
caya -
Hello everyone! WOW....yes we do seem to be a bit beat up huh?! This too shall pass (soon we hope). I, like Viddie and Melianne finished #10 this past week (on Wednesday), and thursday and friday I felt great from head to toe. This morning I wake up with swelling to hands, a little to my ankles, headache, achey all over...and tired of course. So I guess I'll spend today relaxing here at home.
I'm going to bring this up to my dr. next chemo day, maybe I need lasix as well.
pat -
I agree with the ladies that meltdowns and panic attacks are understandable. It seems to me that those of us on this line of messages have worked really hard to be 'in control' of circumstances beyond our control. So isn't it practically a given that at some point, we throw up our hands and cry "uncle"?
I think it's a testimony to the strength of this group that we keep moving on, we determine not to give in or give up.
Cindy ~ still wondering how this all came to be, it still seems to be a surprise at times! -
I don't like these scar boosters. I don't like that extra equipment piece that they attach to the machine that brings the lead shield 2 inches from my chest.
I think it's some anxiety that causes me to have some vertigo as I lay on the table. I know I'm laying still, I hang on to the side with my left hand as my right arm is up in the stirrups but I almost daily get brief sensations that I'm tipping or falling off of the table. I just breath deeper and remind myself that it's almost over.
It's been a nice day. This is the weekend of the annual arts festival in Omaha. It's my favorite event of the area every summer. I went with my two daughters this AM and we wandered through the displays. I bought a garden fairy stake decoration. It's so cute, made of copper she's jumping rope. We had lunch and it was a sweet time with my girls.
I have to admit I think I was lucky that I wasn't stopped by the local police for being some kind of a pervert. I kept staring at other women's chests, wondering if they've gone through what we've been through (why would that matter???) wondering if they'd wander about like I with one breast. And I was scoping out hair, trying to decide if my super short hair looks deliberate, looks like 'hair by chemo', if it looks butch (which certainly won't help my search for a companion when I compared my head to others. Maybe I've become a little psychotic in the last several months.
I've played fetch in the yard with my dogs. I bought a little pool for the cattle dog to play in. And tonight I walked for 45 minutes. I like walking to music, I can go farther if I've music to sing to.
And now, I think I'll put on my jammies and find a book to read before bed.
Happy Saturday evening, everyone!
Cindy -
It's funny, when I think in retrospect about my tx. I was TOTALLY fine on Taxol until about week 7 when very mild symptoms presented. By 12, I was toast. I did get Procrit (Aranesp) at the first taxol and I was only borderline...like 10 something. I read soon after about the black box warning and when they suggested Procrit again when I only had two more taxols to do, I decided to wing it. I said no to Procrit and that's prob. why I felt so drained.
Caya, have fun w/your Ft. Laud aunt/uncle. What part are they from? I miss my old stomping grounds! Do you ever go down there to visit?
Cindy, so hear ya on feeling "butch". Love the sounds of your garden fairy. I went to the Columbus Annual Parade of Homes. There were 11 brand new homes, all professionally decorated. They hold it every June. Todays was just OK. Last year Paul and I put an offer in on one of them, we both soooooooooo fell in love with it. Thank God it was already under contract because the market isn't so hot here to sell right now. I love my house and I am very lucky to have it...it's more than I ever dreamed of having...it's just not totally my taste...it looks exactly like my FL house with the big, two story arch over the front door. My dream house is one w/a huge wraparound porch. I have me r.e. license in FL and just love houses, decorating. Totally get lost in that stuff and completely forget about BC world.
Happy Anniversary Melia! -
Other news here is my husbands company announced they are laying off 10% of the workforce here at their Columbus hq... I think he's ok, but he'd better be... I need this great insurance for my remaining Herceptin tx's. Plus, this place is just PARADISE for my kids. They are so at home and love with this area... It's funny how that makes me like it here...if they're good, I'm good.
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I had a lovely time at the lunch today; if you want to see me, go to get-togethers, san diego area, and the new photo is on p 8 at the bottom. I am the one in the back on the left.
yes, we all get to have meltdowns and panic attacks. I think I have pushed everything to the back of my mind during treatment. I was terrified at first, now just feel like I have to power thru the treatments. I am hoping to slow down and try to think it all through as summer goes on. I have never made so many decisions so blindly in my life. And these were truly life altering decisions. I just hope and pray I made the right ones. I am not used to trusting other people so much, and I have had to trust the medical professionals, have had to assume they knew best. There was no way to finish med school in time to come up to speed myself!
Tina, I hope all will be well with your husband's job. Last night as we toasted our marriage anniversary, we agreed that this is the worst year of our lives together, between his job loss and my cancer. We are hoping this next year will be much better!
Night all,
Melia -
I guess it's not surprising that this would come up, but now that it has, I'll contribute my own personal part to the discussion. My dh was looking at my newly sprouting hair the other day, and it does indeed look more like hair than it has in a long time. He told me he that it was "pretty cute in a kind of micro-butchy way." I asked for clarification - he says, just ever so slightly butchy. So...guess I'm not ready for prime time, not that I'd dream of going out looking like this!
Happy weekend, my sisters. -
Melia, you look great! Wish I could join in on your get-togethers - you all look like you are a fun group.
Tina, I hope your husband's job is secure where you are. You seem to have done your share of moving around already - what does he do? -
well ladies been reading all the posts and we are all still here doin our stuff . I am home for the weekend and go back to TO on Monday for rads . Only 5 weeks to go ! My tummy is healing but I have these plastic retaining sutchers still attached to me , a setback for getting some exercise in , I just want them out ! they look like plastic spoons tied to my tummy with fishing line thick fishing line . I been trying to get a surgeon to take them out for me next week in Toronto so I do not have to travel back up to my town to get them out. So far nothing but I am hoping that 2 drs can at least communucate and get this done for me . Its a pain cause it has to be a surgeon , the nurses do not want to touch them . All I want is them OUT the are pinchy . They are not due to come out until next Wed anyway so I am hoping that all this will work out .
The lodge I am staying at has computers so I am reading all the posts but cannot reply as I am having trouble with my password ..... can't you change it if you want ? Everytime I try it goes right back to my old one ???? Anyone else try to change your password here ? Can you ?
Staying at this lodge too make me feel real lucky as there are may people there that are worse off than me. I am healthy except for operation troubles . My roomate is very young and her husband has leukemia and just had a bone marrow transplant , many men there have prostate cancer and have to have rads too . As many as we have to have with breast cancer . There are also spunky older ladies with BC walking and reminding me that there is soo much that I can be thankful for . The food is good there are a ton of books and mags to read . Alot of movies and TVs , a workout room too . Lots of stories , we all talk and exchange our experiences . The only thing I have to do is not get too bogged down , but there are a few of us younger crowd that keeps the place hummin .
I also just found out that the VP of our company has lymphoma and will be getting rads at the same hospital as I am . Rebecca this sound just like you , man this damn disease is getting close , I am expecting to see him next week so will be talking to him . Will update on that next weeekend when I get home .
Hope everyone is having a great weekend .... I am reading a good book , something I have been doing alot of as I wait around alot for rides and appointments latley .
So take care all , rads are the last of this ride . We are off on our holidays the second two weeks of Aug , can hardley wait ....
Thanks for the card Mizsissy I got it in the mail hope your camping trip went well . Let us know how you made out . -
Cindy - the copper fairy thing sounds lovely. Glad you had a nice day with your daughters. And I hear ya on checking out other women's chests - I've really been noticing cleavage lately... lol
Melia - your BC ladies lunch group looks nice, glad you had a good time.
Tina - I had a nice visit with my Ft. Lauderdale aunt/uncle - they live in Plantation, and are just having their house redone after the hurricance there in the fall of '05. We often go to Florida at XMAS break - my MIL has a condo in Boca, and my own mother and step-father have a condo in Pembroke Pines. We haven't gone since Dec. 05 - I may send my DDs to visit my mother this year at Xmas - I don't think I will be travelling outside of Canada until I finish my Herceptin.
Rebecca - I hope you aren't too pooped out looking after your 3 kids without DH.
Mel - I hear ya on the "butch" hair - I'll be glad when I reach that stage - I have always been a long hair gal - I haven't had short hair since my mother chopped my hair off when I was 8 years old - pixie cut-
Tonight we went out with our best friends for a great Italian meal - the new nausea meds seem to be working - I take 2 pills 1/2 hour before a meal - this seems to be helping. And the diuretic also seems to be helping, my leg and ankles are much better today...
I don't want to jinx myself, but maybe I actually have turned the corner- just in time for Herceptin # 2 coming this Thursday, June 28th..
Today would have been my parent's 50th wedding anniversary, but unfortunately my darling father passed away in Nov. 1991 - nearly 16 years ago - he was only 59 - a heart attack... I always thought it would be my ticker that would get me - but then again, my father was a walking poster boy for a heart attack - overate, smoked, didn't exercise - his own father dropped from a heart attack at age 54...
sorry to ramble, have a good one
xoxo
caya -
Hey Sharon aka Shorti,
Nice to hear from you...you are always so upbeat. Not being Canadian, I had wondered what a lodge was and enjoyed reading your descriptionQuote:
Staying at this lodge too make me feel real lucky as there are may people there that are worse off than me. I am healthy except for operation troubles . My roomate is very young and her husband has leukemia and just had a bone marrow transplant , many men there have prostate cancer and have to have rads too . As many as we have to have with breast cancer . There are also spunky older ladies with BC walking and reminding me that there is soo much that I can be thankful for . The food is good there are a ton of books and mags to read . Alot of movies and TVs , a workout room too . Lots of stories , we all talk and exchange our experiences . The only thing I have to do is not get too bogged down , but there are a few of us younger crowd that keeps the place hummin .
Sounds like a very nice place...you Canucks are so much more civilized, all that love and support. But I can't help think that your upbeat attitude reflects on you as well.
We should all be so positive.
Love your new name, but I miss that beautiful blue scarved madonna (and Jan, your gracefully scarved head as well).
I'm painting again!!! Did one yesterday after hearing that the coffee shop sold one on Friday! The latest is not up to my pre-Chemo standard but I'll get there. I'm going to allow myself five bad paintings before a good one!!
Now gals, Joni, Caya, Sharon, Jan, Mer, Lynn...don't forget I still have that first weekend in September circled round in red and am hoping to see you!!!
Love to all,
Mizsissy
PS...Sharon, I think you can drop the Shorti part of your name...we'll know ya!!! -
Sharon, the lodge sounds like quite the place. I've never heard of anything like it around here, that whole communal thing...except for rehabs maybe. Ha-ha! Rehab for cancer.
Caya, I know Plantation and Boca well. I lived (and my parents do now) in Coconut Creek, which abuts Boca...they live off Lyons Road. They've been coming here for x-mas the last few years but I'd like to do it down there again. It's funny...people overcompensate for the lack of snow down there by going CRAZY with lights. Even the Jewish families do elaborate Hannakuh lights, enormous menorahs. It's really fun. Miss my fave mall: Boca Town Center...and all the good restaurants (my waistline does not).
OK...read two odd things in this am's Sunday paper. One was an article about a 42 yr. old female soldier who was deployed to Iraq after having a lumpectomy on May 22, followed by a second surgery, which I'm sure was a wider excision, and then a "five day targeted" radiation tx. It's called Mammo-site. It implants an angioplasty like balloon that delivers the rads. Article said implant was removed June 8 and docs declared her "cancer free". That part bothered me as we all know doctors don't do that with breast cancer. The media does the world a disservice with that. No wonder there are so many people making dumb comments to us like how lucky we are to get out of work early for rads, etc... Anyway, it's odd that none of our group has had MammaSite offered...
Second thing was a blurb now saying antioxidant vitamins may be GOOD for chemo patients after all. They reviewed 1500 patients and it may help w/survival, tolerating the drugs... God, all the flip flopping is annoying. I guess not nearly as bad as the flip/flop on A/C... -
OK...one more post. I am feeling a lot of anxiety this weekend. Not sure why...prob. osmosis from my husband stressing about hsi job, which is prob. fine.
But, part of it, I think, is I haven't worn my wigs at all in over two weeks now. I swear, it's like I'm allergic to the fibers on my neck...they itch like hell. Anyway, I'm not totally comfortable going topless so I've been doing bandanna's only or baseball caps. I've had a lot of dreams that my hair is fully back... I think the stress of feeling so unnattractive is weighing on me, subconciously... hey, I've dx's myself. That psych minor at Salem State College paid off! : ) -
Hi everyone from lovely suburban Wausau! Thanks Viddie and Melia for the Wausau weekend wishes, we are having a lot of fun. I met my co-author for an upcoming book and we hit it off very well.
Cindy I have a copper garden fairy that sounds just like yours! I know what you mean about feeling butch too. It makes me add extra makeup and bigger earrings even though I'm not going topless yet.
Rebecca, also feeling burned here. Even with the cornstarch. I put on a black cami I remembered from last summer as being very comfy this morning and realized the stitching and tucks on the front now render it very scratchy. Not having brought much else to wear this means I go braless with a denim blouse. Oh well.
Mel I was trying to imagine how good it would feel to have drains removed and got a huge, empathic rush of relief. Hope the whole thing is still healing nicely. Lynn how is your former port area doing?
Time to pack up my laptop and leave this lovely suite, happy Sunday to you all. - 'Sconsin Skye -
My dh looooves my super short hair. I don't think it looks that great but I'm getting used to it and with the right make up I look okay. He keeps telling me it looks pure, and that he can see my features better. I guess he likes it!
Still wearing baseball caps to the local spots but when I go into Boston, it's topless and no one bats an eye. I think it's time to move out of the burbs. Haven't worn a scarf in weeks. I really do not appreciate the sad looks and words of comfort and advice at this point. It's hard to move on when you get those.
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